THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Feb. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced the submission of a supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for BLINCYTO(®) (blinatumomab) to include overall survival (OS) data from the Phase 3 TOWER study, supporting the conversion of BLINCYTO's accelerated approval to full approval. The sBLA also includes new data supporting the treatment of patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The application aims to broaden BLINCYTO's indication for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL.

BLINCYTO was previously granted breakthrough therapy designation and accelerated approval in December 2014. It is also the first FDA-approved bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T cell engager (BiTE(®)) antibody, and the first single-agent immunotherapy to treat patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL.

"Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is one of the most aggressive B-cell malignancies, and adult patients who relapse or are refractory to treatment often go through multiple lines of therapy," said Sean E. Harper, M.D., executive vice president of Research and Development at Amgen. "We are excited to potentially receive full approval for BLINCYTO, the first immunotherapy to demonstrate an overall survival benefit versus standard of care chemotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory Ph- B-cell precursor ALL, and bring a much needed new treatment option to those who are Ph+."

Results from the TOWER study, investigating the efficacy of BLINCYTO versus standard of care (SOC) chemotherapy in adult patients with Ph- relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL, were presented during the Presidential Symposium at the 21(st) Congress of the European Hematology Association. BLINCYTO has a BOXED WARNING in its product label regarding Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Neurological Toxicities.

ALL is a rare and rapidly progressing cancer of the blood and bone marrow.(1,2) In adult patients with relapsed or refractory ALL, median OS is just three to five months.(3) Currently, there is no broadly accepted standard treatment regimen for adult patients with relapsed or refractory ALL beyond chemotherapy.(4) In adult ALL, approximately 75 percent is B-cell precursor ALL, of which 75-80 percent is Ph- and roughly half will be refractory to treatment or experience relapse.(5)

About the TOWER Study
The TOWER study was a Phase 3, randomized, active-controlled, open-label study investigating the efficacy of BLINCYTO versus SOC chemotherapy in 405 adult patients with Ph- relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL. The study enrolled a difficult-to-treat patient population which included patients from several stages of relapse, 17 percent of whom had relapsed post-allogenic stem cell transplant (alloSCT), and excluded those with late first relapse (>= 12 months after initial remission). Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive BLINCYTO (n=271) or treatment with investigator choice of one of four protocol-defined SOC chemotherapy regimens (n=134). The primary endpoint was OS. Key secondary endpoints included complete remission within 12 weeks, the combined endpoint of complete remission plus complete remission with partial or incomplete hematologic recovery and event-free survival. Other secondary endpoints included remission duration, minimal residual disease (MRD) remission (<10(-4)), alloSCT rate and adverse event rates.

The TOWER study is the confirmatory trial for BLINCYTO. Click here to read about the trial on ClinicalTrials.gov.

About the ALCANTARA Study
The ALCANTARA study was a Phase 2, single-arm, multicenter, open-label study investigating the efficacy and tolerability of BLINCYTO in 45 adult patients with Ph+ B-cell precursor ALL who had relapsed after or were refractory to at least one second or later (2(+))-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), or were intolerant to 2(+)-generation TKI and intolerant or refractory to imatinib. BLINCYTO was administered in 28-day cycles by continuous intravenous infusion. The primary endpoint was complete remission or complete remission with partial hematologic recovery during the first two cycles. Key secondary endpoints included MRD response, rate of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT), relapse-free survival, OS and adverse events.

About BLINCYTO(®) (blinatumomab)
BLINCYTO is a bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T cell engager (BiTE(®)) antibody construct that binds specifically to CD19 expressed on the surface of cells of B-lineage origin and CD3 expressed on the surface of T cells.

BLINCYTO was granted breakthrough therapy and priority review designations by the FDA, and is now approved in the U.S. for the treatment of Ph- relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL. This indication is approved under accelerated approval. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification of clinical benefit in subsequent trials.

In November 2015, BLINCYTO was granted conditional marketing authorization in the EU for the treatment of adults with Ph- relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL.

About BiTE(®) Technology
Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE(®)) antibody constructs are a type of immunotherapy being investigated for fighting cancer by helping the body's immune system to detect and target malignant cells. The modified antibodies are designed to engage two different targets simultaneously, thereby juxtaposing T cells (a type of white blood cell capable of killing other cells perceived as threats) to cancer cells. BiTE(®) antibody constructs help place the T cells within reach of the targeted cell, with the intent of allowing T cells to inject toxins and trigger the cancer cell to die (apoptosis). BiTE(® )antibody constructs are currently being investigated for their potential to treat a wide variety of cancers. For more information, visit www.biteantibodies.com.

BLINCYTO(®) U.S. Product Safety Information

Important Safety Information Regarding BLINCYTO(® )(blinatumomab) U.S. Indication

WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGICAL TOXICITIES


    --  Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be life-threatening or fatal,
        occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO(®). Interrupt or discontinue
        BLINCYTO(®) as recommended.
    --  Neurological toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening or fatal,
        occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO(®). Interrupt or discontinue
        BLINCYTO(®) as recommended.

Contraindications
BLINCYTO(®) is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to blinatumomab or to any component of the product formulation.

Warnings and Precautions


    --  Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): CRS, which may be life-threatening or
        fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO(®). Infusion reactions
        have occurred and may be clinically indistinguishable from
        manifestations of CRS. Closely monitor patients for signs and symptoms
        of serious events such as pyrexia, headache, nausea, asthenia,
        hypotension, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), increased
        aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased total bilirubin (TBILI),
        disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), capillary leak syndrome
        (CLS), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation
        syndrome (HLH/MAS). Interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO(®) as outlined in
        the Prescribing Information (PI).
    --  Neurological Toxicities: Approximately 64% of patients receiving
        BLINCYTO(®) in clinical trials experienced neurological toxicities. The
        median time to onset of any neurological toxicity was 4 days. The most
        common (>= 10%) manifestations of neurological toxicity were headache,
        tremor, dizziness, and altered state of consciousness. Severe,
        life-threatening, or fatal neurological toxicities occurred in
        approximately 17% of patients, including encephalopathy, convulsions,
        speech disorders, disturbances in consciousness, confusion and
        disorientation, and coordination and balance disorders. The neurological
        toxicity profile varied by age group. Monitor patients for signs or
        symptoms and interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO(®) as outlined in the
        PI.
    --  Infections: Approximately 25% of patients receiving BLINCYTO(®)
        experienced serious infections, some of which were life-threatening or
        fatal. Administer prophylactic antibiotics and employ surveillance
        testing as appropriate during treatment. Monitor patients for signs or
        symptoms of infection and treat appropriately, including interruption or
        discontinuation of BLINCYTO(®) as needed.
    --  Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS): TLS, which may be life-threatening or fatal,
        has been observed. Preventive measures, including pretreatment nontoxic
        cytoreduction and on-treatment hydration, should be used during
        BLINCYTO(® )treatment. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of TLS
        and interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO(®) as needed to manage these
        events.
    --  Neutropenia and Febrile Neutropenia, including life-threatening cases,
        have been observed. Monitor appropriate laboratory parameters during
        BLINCYTO(®) infusion and interrupt BLINCYTO(®) if prolonged
        neutropenia occurs.
    --  Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Due to the possibility of
        neurological events, including seizures, patients receiving BLINCYTO(®)
        are at risk for loss of consciousness, and should be advised against
        driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities such as
        operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery while BLINCYTO(®) is
        being administered.
    --  Elevated Liver Enzymes: Transient elevations in liver enzymes have been
        associated with BLINCYTO(®) treatment with a median time to onset of 3
        days. In patients receiving BLINCYTO(®), although the majority of these
        events were observed in the setting of CRS, some cases of elevated liver
        enzymes were observed outside the setting of CRS, with a median time to
        onset of 15 days. Grade 3 or greater elevations in liver enzymes
        occurred in 6% of patients outside the setting of CRS and resulted in
        treatment discontinuation in less than 1% of patients. Monitor ALT, AST,
        gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and TBILI prior to the start of and
        during BLINCYTO(®) treatment. BLINCYTO(®) treatment should be
        interrupted if transaminases rise to > 5 times the upper limit of normal
        (ULN) or if TBILI rises to > 3 times ULN.
    --  Pancreatitis: Fatal pancreatitis has been reported in patients receiving
        BLINCYTO(®) in combination with dexamethasone in clinical trials and
        the post-marketing setting. Evaluate patients who develop signs and
        symptoms of pancreatitis and interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO(®) and
        dexamethasone as needed.
    --  Leukoencephalopathy: Although the clinical significance is unknown,
        cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes showing
        leukoencephalopathy have been observed in patients receiving
        BLINCYTO(®), especially in patients previously treated with cranial
        irradiation and antileukemic chemotherapy.
    --  Preparation and administration errors have occurred with BLINCYTO(®)
        treatment. Follow instructions for preparation (including admixing) and
        administration in the PI strictly to minimize medication errors
        (including underdose and overdose).
    --  Immunization: Vaccination with live virus vaccines is not recommended
        for at least 2 weeks prior to the start of BLINCYTO(®) treatment,
        during treatment, and until immune recovery following last cycle of
        BLINCYTO(®).

Adverse Reactions


    --  The most common adverse reactions (>= 20%) in the safety population
        studied in clinical trials were pyrexia (66%), headache (34%), nausea
        (27%), edema (26%), hypokalemia (26%), anemia (25%), febrile neutropenia
        (24%), neutropenia (22%), thrombocytopenia (20%), and abdominal pain
        (20%). The safety population included 225 patients weighing 45 kg or
        more and 57 patients weighing less than 45 kg. For some adverse
        reactions, there were differences in the incidence rates by age
        subgroup.
    --  In patients weighing greater than or equal to 45 kg, serious adverse
        reactions were reported in 61% of patients. The most common serious
        adverse reactions (>= 2%) included febrile neutropenia (9%), pyrexia
        (6%), sepsis (5%), pneumonia (5%), device-related infection (4%),
        neutropenia (3%), tremor (3%), overdose (3%), encephalopathy (3%),
        infection (2%), confusion (3%) and headache (2%).
    --  In patients weighing less than 45 kg, serious adverse reactions were
        reported in 51% of patients. The most common serious adverse reactions
        (>= 2%) included pyrexia (12%), febrile neutropenia (9%), cytokine
        release syndrome (4%), convulsion (4%), device-related infection (4%),
        hypoxia (4%), sepsis (4%), and overdose (4%).

U.S. Dosage and Administration Guidelines


    --  BLINCYTO(®) is administered as a continuous intravenous infusion at a
        constant flow rate using an infusion pump which should be programmable,
        lockable, non-elastomeric, and have an alarm.
    --  It is very important that the instructions for preparation (including
        admixing) and administration provided in the full Prescribing
        Information are strictly followed to minimize medication errors
        (including underdose and overdose).

Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS and Medication Guide, for BLINCYTO(® )at www.BLINCYTO.com.

About Amgen's Commitment to Oncology
Amgen Oncology is committed to helping patients take on some of the toughest cancers, such as those that have been resistant to drugs, those that progress rapidly through the body and those where limited treatment options exist. Amgen's supportive care treatments help patients combat certain side effects of strong chemotherapy, and our targeted medicines and immunotherapies focus on more than a dozen different malignancies, ranging from blood cancers to solid tumors. With decades of experience providing therapies for cancer patients, Amgen continues to grow its portfolio of innovative and biosimilar oncology medicines.

About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit www.amgen.com and follow us on www.twitter.com/amgen.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the current expectations and beliefs of Amgen. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including estimates of revenues, operating margins, capital expenditures, cash, other financial metrics, expected legal, arbitration, political, regulatory or clinical results or practices, customer and prescriber patterns or practices, reimbursement activities and outcomes and other such estimates and results. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below and more fully described in the Securities and Exchange Commission reports filed by Amgen, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent periodic reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Unless otherwise noted, Amgen is providing this information as of the date of this news release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual results may differ materially from those we project. Our results may be affected by our ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally, clinical and regulatory developments involving current and future products, sales growth of recently launched products, competition from other products including biosimilars, difficulties or delays in manufacturing our products and global economic conditions. In addition, sales of our products are affected by pricing pressure, political and public scrutiny and reimbursement policies imposed by third-party payers, including governments, private insurance plans and managed care providers and may be affected by regulatory, clinical and guideline developments and domestic and international trends toward managed care and healthcare cost containment. Furthermore, our research, testing, pricing, marketing and other operations are subject to extensive regulation by domestic and foreign government regulatory authorities. We or others could identify safety, side effects or manufacturing problems with our products after they are on the market. Our business may be impacted by government investigations, litigation and product liability claims. In addition, our business may be impacted by the adoption of new tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. If we fail to meet the compliance obligations in the corporate integrity agreement between us and the U.S. government, we could become subject to significant sanctions. Further, while we routinely obtain patents for our products and technology, the protection offered by our patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented by our competitors, or we may fail to prevail in present and future intellectual property litigation. We perform a substantial amount of our commercial manufacturing activities at a few key facilities and also depend on third parties for a portion of our manufacturing activities, and limits on supply may constrain sales of certain of our current products and product candidate development. In addition, we compete with other companies with respect to many of our marketed products as well as for the discovery and development of new products. Discovery or identification of new product candidates cannot be guaranteed and movement from concept to product is uncertain; consequently, there can be no guarantee that any particular product candidate will be successful and become a commercial product. Further, some raw materials, medical devices and component parts for our products are supplied by sole third-party suppliers. Certain of our distributors, customers and payers have substantial purchasing leverage in their dealings with us. The discovery of significant problems with a product similar to one of our products that implicate an entire class of products could have a material adverse effect on sales of the affected products and on our business and results of operations. Our efforts to acquire other companies or products and to integrate the operations of companies we have acquired may not be successful. We may not be able to access the capital and credit markets on terms that are favorable to us, or at all. We are increasingly dependent on information technology systems, infrastructure and data security. Our stock price is volatile and may be affected by a number of events. Our business performance could affect or limit the ability of our Board of Directors to declare a dividend or our ability to pay a dividend or repurchase our common stock.

CONTACT:
Amgen, Thousand Oaks
Kristen Davis, 805-447-3008 (media)
Kristen Neese, 805-313-8267 (media)
Arvind Sood, 805-447-1060 (investors)

References:


    1. Cancer Research UK. Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia risks and causes.
       http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/all/about/acute-lymphob
       lastic-leukaemia-risks-and-causes. Accessed Jan. 13, 2017.
    2. Mayo Clinic. Acute lymphocytic leukemia.
       http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acute-lymphocytic-leukemia/DS00558.
       Accessed Jan. 13, 2017.
    3. Advani AS. New immune strategies for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic
       leukemia: Antibodies and chimeric antigen receptors. Hematology Am Soc
       Hematol Educ Program. 2013;2013:131-7. Retrieved from:
       http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/content/2013/1/131.long.
    4. Davis T, Farag SS. Treating relapsed or refractory Philadelphia
       chromosome-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia: liposome-encapsulated
       vincristine. Int J Nanomedicine. 2013:8 3479-3488.
    5. Katz AJ, et al. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: an assessment of
       international incidence, survival, and disease burden. Cancer Causes
       Control. 2015;26(11):1627-42.

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